I was supposed to return to Denver today but there were some things I had to take care of before I left so I postponed my flight to Tuesday. Late this afternoon I made a spur of the moment decision to hit "El Corte de Madera Creek" up by Woodside and Palo Alto. I had printed out the map and directions a couple weeks back but never made the trip. They were sitting on my desk staring me in the face so about 4 minutes later I had my riding shoes on and was pulling out of the garage on my way up there.
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Trail Info (I spent some time looking this up so I thought I'd throw it out there if anyone else is interested):
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Directions to trailhead
Trail Map (Thanks Steve for the openspace website)
Trailhead Entry: CM08 (see trail map)
Directions to trailhead
Trail Map (Thanks Steve for the openspace website)
Trailhead Entry: CM08 (see trail map)
Today's Route: Methuselah Trail--> South Leaf Trail ->Virginia Mill -> Timberview-> Giant Salamander and then back out..
Notes: There are two places to park that are right at the trail head. One is where I parked at the CM08 trail head. the other is at the top and is called Skeggs point. If you start at Skeggs you are at the top and you will face a really tough uphill finish. CM08 puts you at a better starting position (in my opinion).
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This was a really awesome ride. There are some remarkably steep climbs, very tricky technical pieces and some awesome single track with a lot of great hits. I'm starting to get a lot more comfortable with the jumps which is really great. It helps me look at the trail in a different way. I think this is attributed to riding with you guys and getting new brakes- The hydro brakes have given me more confidence that I can control my speed. This is one of those trails that flows very nicely in some sections (the "great hits" sections mentioned above) - where there are a lot of ups and downs with obstacles in the way. You can keep good speed in some of these areas so it feels more like you are surfing the terrrain than riding on a bike. I kind of think of it as feeling "up to my elbows in trail".
The closest comparison I can think of to describe this trail is Demo. If you look at the map there is a lot of trail that I didn't come close to touching. I definitely want to get back out there but I wouldn't want to go alone again. It is tricky and some parts can be dangerous so it is a good place to have a group. I barely saw any other people while I was out. The reason I stress this is becuase I flipped over my handlebars on a steep technical downhill section. I rolled as I hit the ground but when I came about face I met face first with a large tree. If I weren't wearing my helmet I think I'd be scheduling an appointment for a plastic surgeon or laying out there still. My helmet cut into my forehead and left a little cut as a reminder.
This was a humbling ride. The climbs are so steep and covered with loose leaves and gravel. It would require really good form and strength to do this without tapping out but I do think it is possible. My mileage pace was slow but it's relative to the terrain. There's a lot of time this summer to work that all out :)
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This was a really awesome ride. There are some remarkably steep climbs, very tricky technical pieces and some awesome single track with a lot of great hits. I'm starting to get a lot more comfortable with the jumps which is really great. It helps me look at the trail in a different way. I think this is attributed to riding with you guys and getting new brakes- The hydro brakes have given me more confidence that I can control my speed. This is one of those trails that flows very nicely in some sections (the "great hits" sections mentioned above) - where there are a lot of ups and downs with obstacles in the way. You can keep good speed in some of these areas so it feels more like you are surfing the terrrain than riding on a bike. I kind of think of it as feeling "up to my elbows in trail".
The closest comparison I can think of to describe this trail is Demo. If you look at the map there is a lot of trail that I didn't come close to touching. I definitely want to get back out there but I wouldn't want to go alone again. It is tricky and some parts can be dangerous so it is a good place to have a group. I barely saw any other people while I was out. The reason I stress this is becuase I flipped over my handlebars on a steep technical downhill section. I rolled as I hit the ground but when I came about face I met face first with a large tree. If I weren't wearing my helmet I think I'd be scheduling an appointment for a plastic surgeon or laying out there still. My helmet cut into my forehead and left a little cut as a reminder.
This was a humbling ride. The climbs are so steep and covered with loose leaves and gravel. It would require really good form and strength to do this without tapping out but I do think it is possible. My mileage pace was slow but it's relative to the terrain. There's a lot of time this summer to work that all out :)
Stats:
Total Time: 1:35
Distance: 8.63 miles
Average Pace: 5.5 mph
Max Speed: 25 mph
Photos:
Some beautiful forrest sections. Such a cool feel.
2 comments:
I have wanted to get out to that place but have just never had the chance. Sounds excellent and challenging. I can't wait ot get out and try it!
With this place and with Stevens Canyon I think we have quite a new variety of terrain to explore and conquer!
I hear what you are saying about the group too. I've done Demo a couple of times alone and honestly felt a little restrained because of teh horrifying thought of crashing out there alone.
Definitely! I'm starting to see that there is no shortage of stuff to explore in this area. It's really pretty exciting.
We'll definitely have to plan more rides to conquer them!
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